Chef Manager
Company : Sodexo
Location : Rockaway, NJ, 07866
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Role Overview
Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager to join our culinary team at Bristol Glen, a continuing care retirement community located in Newton, New Jersey. The Chef Manager will assist the Executive Chef and be hands-on with food production. Will be the closing manager several days with typical schedule being 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, may vary with alternating weekend coverage.
What You'll Do
Execute innovative, nutritious, and appealing menus tailored to resident preferences and dietary needs
- Manage approximately 6 cooks and servers
Ensure rigorous food safety and sanitation standards are consistently met and exceeded
Lead, mentor, and engage culinary and utility staff to foster a positive, resident-focused culture
Assist with planning and execution of special events and chef dinners, providing elevated dining experiences that delight residents and guests
Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to support resident satisfaction
Manage inventory, budget, and vendor relationships to optimize operational efficiency and quality
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
- prior food service management experience ideally in a healthcare environment;
- a culinary background with prior food production experience;
- experience supervising and training a culinary team with exceptional human resource and supervisory skillset;
- an enthusiasm for working with a diverse set of people, are confident and warm;
- a positive approach to tasks with a can-do attitude and impeccable attention to detail.
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - High School Diploma or GED or EquivalentMinimum Management Experience - 1 year
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Frequently asked questions
In Rockaway, NJ, a Chef Manager often splits time between direct kitchen involvement and managing staff. Balancing culinary creativity with overseeing cooks ensures both food quality and efficient team coordination, crucial in healthcare-focused settings like Sodexo's retirement community services.
A Chef Manager not only excels at culinary skills but also demonstrates strong mentorship, team motivation, and operational oversight. This role demands advanced human resource abilities to foster a positive culture while maintaining food safety and inventory control, differentiating it from purely cooking roles.
Certifications such as ServSafe Food Protection Manager and culinary management diplomas are highly valued in New Jersey healthcare settings. They validate expertise in food safety standards and leadership, enhancing a candidate’s fit for roles requiring both kitchen proficiency and team supervision.
Sodexo's commitment to inclusivity and quality life improvements shapes Chef Managers’ duties by emphasizing resident-focused dining experiences and respectful team engagement. This ethos encourages managers to innovate menus aligned with diverse dietary needs while fostering a supportive work atmosphere.
Sodexo’s Chef Manager position uniquely integrates healthcare-oriented menu planning with operational leadership within a retirement community. The role demands a blend of culinary creativity, compliance with strict sanitation, and nurturing a caring team culture—distinct from typical restaurant management jobs in the region.
Chef Managers in Rockaway, NJ, generally earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and credentials. This aligns with healthcare and culinary operations management salaries locally, reflecting the specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities involved.
Rockaway’s proximity to healthcare facilities and retirement communities heightens demand for skilled Chef Managers who can navigate dietary complexities and team management. Seasonal hiring surges often correspond with community events, requiring flexible scheduling and weekend leadership.
Applicants often consider the commute between Rockaway and Newton, balancing traffic variability with shift timings. Flexible scheduling, including alternating weekends, can mitigate travel-related stress, making roles with Sodexo attractive to candidates prioritizing work-life balance.
Sodexo encourages upward mobility from Chef Manager to executive chef or culinary operations manager roles. Advancement hinges on demonstrated leadership, innovative menu development, and managing larger teams or multiple sites, supported by tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
Beyond competitive pay, Sodexo offers comprehensive wellness programs, 401(k) matching, and a culture valuing diversity and inclusion. Their emphasis on employee voice and respect cultivates a supportive environment uncommon in many traditional culinary management positions locally.